Police Warn Of Purse, Wallet Thefts At Mass. Market Baskets

LEOMINSTER (CBS) -- Police are warning Market Basket shoppers to watch their purses.

Fitchburg and Leominster police said a number of purse thefts have been reported inside the grocery stores, specifically at the Sack Boulevard, Water Street and John Fitch Highway locations.

Elderly women have been the target of most thefts, police said. Authorities believe thieves are snatching purses sitting in shopping cart child seats while the women have their backs turned or are walking away from the cart.

Police are recommending that purses be secured with a child safety strap, or with a purse lock that attaches the bag to the shopping cart.

"Please take the extra step to secure your handbags - you never know who's watching you," Leominster police said on Facebook.

Police in Bourne are also warning about a man stealing credit cards from purses at the Market Basket in Sagamore since November. One theft occurred on Tuesday, police said.

The thief is described as a bald black man who may be driving a white sedan that appears to be an early 2000's Chevrolet Cavalier. He's also suspected in similar crimes in southeastern Massachusetts.

Anyone with information is asked to call police.

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